A Spooktacular Journey Through Halloween Traditions

Halloween is a fun holiday celebrated in many countries around the world. It is typically celebrated on October 31st and features various special traditions. Halloween is a very significant holiday that brings people together and allows for creativity through things such as costumes and decorations. It can be fascinating to explore how other countries celebrate this festive occasion, as everybody adds their own twist to the traditions.

United States

The United States celebrates Halloween with many traditions, such as pumpkin carving and trick–or-treating, which includes dressing up and going up to houses for candy. Many homes are decorated with scary and festive decorations. Another popular tradition is going to haunted houses with friends or family. People also enjoy watching spooky movies.

Ireland

Ireland celebrates Halloween very traditionally since Halloween originated in Ireland. They share a spooky and fun Halloween spirit in their large festivals, which include public bonfires, costume parties, and trick-or-treating. They carve tulip lanterns, which evolved into pumpkin carving, and bake a very traditional baked good, the barmbrack cake, which is made with dried fruits and spices.

Guatemala                

Guatemala celebrates Halloween the traditional way, like dressing up and going to parties, but their main celebration happens on November 1st and 2nd, for the Day of the Dead. A key tradition is the Barriletes Gigantes (Giant Kites) festival. This is celebrated by having massive and very colorful kites flown around to communicate with their ancestors’ spirits. This also includes visiting and decorating gravesites with flowers and candles.   

The Philippines

Halloween in the Philippines is also known as Undas, or Filipino Halloween. They celebrate by doing many activities that include cleaning and decorating graves, candle lighting, and food offerings (Pag-aatang). They also share some folk traditions, such as Pangangaluluwa (Souling). This is where children dressed as souls go to houses singing and praying for the deceased, and in return, they get candy or money.

Japan

Japan doesn’t celebrate Halloween the usual trick-or-treating way. Instead, they focus on major street parties and parades. Costumes are a big part of Halloween in Japan. They have some traditions like the Obon Festival, where families honor the spirits of their ancestors. They love to create a festive atmosphere rather than a spooky and scary one.